Searching for cause of fire that reduced century-old church to burned-out shell

OVERBROOK (WTXF/AP) - The search is on for the cause of Monday morning's massive fire that engulfed a century-old Gothic church in Overbrook. Meanwhile, a prayer vigil is scheduled for 6pm Tuesday outside, next to the ruins.

The fire at the Century-old Good Shepard Presbyterian church, home to about five congregations, reduced the building to a burned-out shell. This was at 6439 Lansdowne Avenue.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH: Ark of Refuge Tabernacle's pastor told Good Day Philadelphia about the fire scene, her feelings, and how Good Shepard Presbyterian Church welcomed her congregation, which serves the LGBT community.

SKYFOX showed flames shooting from the church's front door and side windows, and heavy black smoke pouring from the roof.

It took more than 120 firefighters two hours to it under control and much of the day to put it out.

Fire officials said the trouble apparently started in the basement, and crews tried to fight it there, but had to retreat and focus on protecting houses behind the church.

Firefighters found one church member on the third floor who didn't know about the fire, and got that person to safety. Also, a cat was rescued. Nobody was injured.